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You Might Forget to Pack These for College...

Starting college can be stressful—new friends, new classes, not to mention all the effort it takes to move your belongings from home to dorm room. How do you decide what to bring, what to leave, and what new items to buy?

These college students shared the items that they are SO glad they brought freshman year. Take a look and see if they're something you should pack in your suitcases when you head out to college this fall!

1. Framed family photos — you don’t want to forget what the fam looks like.

“It makes the room feel a lot more permanent and homey compared to pictures just tacked up on a wall,” sophomore Sarah Henry said.

You are probably excited to strike out on your own for the first time, but don’t forget your roots! When homesickness hits, you’ll have your favorite pictures of parents and siblings to make you feel a little bit better.

The frames do not have to be expensive—check your local Dollar Store, Target, or Wal-Mart for options that won't break the bank!

2. Blackout curtains— for those mornings that come too early.

After late nights spent studying or just hanging out with friends, you will be thankful for these extra-thick curtains that block out the sun’s morning rays.

Junior Jane White uses blackout curtains to enclose her bed.

“I used tacks to hang them from the ceiling when I had a top bunk, and command hooks on the bed frame when I had a bottom bunk,” Jane said. “The curtains block light, sound, temperature—it's like having my own cave to sleep in.”

3. A dish drying rack and other cleaning supplies — those dishes are not going to wash themselves.

Many a college student wish for a dishwasher in their dorm, but until 2047 washing by hand will have to do. Do not forget to grab a drying rack, sponge holder, and dish towel when you pick up those extra cute bowls and plates!